Impact of peritoneal dialysis on weight gain in a patient with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by restriction of energy intake leading to a significantly low body weight, and intense fear of gaining weight. Severe electrolyte changes such as hypokalemia and hypophosphatemia; and alterations in water metabolism such as hyponatremia and edema, can occur in patients with AN. Hypokalemia and chronic volume depletion may lead to acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). There are few reports of patients with AN who require maintenance dialysis. Therefore, it is unclear whether hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) is suitable for such patients. We report a case of kidney failure that developed in the patient with AN who received successful psychiatric treatment aimed at weight gain while performing PD. The safety of PD may be improved in patients who also undergo cognitive behavioral psychotherapeutic intervention.

Keywords: Anorexia nervosa.